Though the two we unable to meet every day they made the most of the time they did spend together. Alfred was a gentleman as always taking Arthur to nice places buying the omega small luxuries he could not afford himself. He soon discovered the omega's love for tea then proceeded to buy him a tea set and seek out every tea shop possible. If nothing else Alfred aimed to please the only gratitude he required was the omega's smile though his pout was just as endearing.

There was absolutely no point in denying it now Alfred was falling head over heels for this omega, falling much harder than he had ever fallen before. He could only hope Arthur at least somewhat returned his affections. Even so as Alfred's affections grew he had to try harder to keep his father from suspecting something which was easier said than done. The alpha spent what little spare time he had away from the palace and his family, he met with Arthur during these secret meetings where the prince was forced to hide his identity to keep the two of them safe.

It was on a day when Alfred's father was away on business that Alfred found himself free for the day as his usual tutor was taking care of the castle while the king was away. Alfred had sent word the day prior for Arthur to be ready in the early morning, but did not explain what they would be doing other than telling the omega should wear something more comfortable than his usual attire.

He arrived at the brothel on horseback; he rode upon his black Arabian, but brought along a white mare as well. He tied the two to the usual spot knowing the beta servant there would watch over them before walking inside to pay for his day out with Arthur.

Upon the alpha's arrival a luxurious and rich French accent sang through the air. "Bonsoir, sir! Will you be taking Emerald out all day?" The beta Francine was poised at her usual spot to greet her clients. The beta woman was adorned in rich vibrant colors of red and gold that were only outperformed by her jewelry. She certainly did well for herself, especially after the king's party. She honored the alpha's anonymous identity and treated him as a usual customer. "Come, please relax while I fetch him." She ushered the prince to a private waiting room and fixed him a glass of the finest wine imported from her homeland.

Arthur was waiting in the residence common room when he was summoned. The omega tried not to betray his excitement by calmly walking out of the room, but when no one was looking he rushed all the way there. When their eyes met the omega smiled, making his way towards the alpha and taking his hands. "Good evening, Alfred. How are you?"

"Excellent now that you're here. I see you received my message." Alfred smiled noting Arthur's rather plain clothing it covered his skin which would protect him from the sun and also be much more comfortable than his usual skirts and jewels as they rode.

He gently squeezed Arthur's hands before letting go of one. Alfred turned towards Francine, "I trust everything is in order for the day? Emerald will likely not be back until late."

Francine watched the couple with her keen eye. Pure love radiated from Alfred's being. He only had eyes for Arthur. As for the omega, he was biting his lip in a fruitless effort to quell his smile. How cute.

Her gaze jumped from Arthur to Alfred when the prince addressed her. "But of course, Monsieur. Goodbye, Emerald. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She sprinkled her fingers in a dainty farewell. Arthur refused to acknowledge the beta's knowing look, ducking his head in a goodbye and following the prince out.

The beta servant Alfred relieved the horses to was waiting for them outside. "How lovely." Arthur touched the velvet nose of the mare he would ride. The horse nudged his face and sniffed his perfumed hair, which made him laugh. "Help me up before she sneezes on me," he chuckled while petting the friendly animal.

Alfred laughed at the two's interaction, "I'm glad you like her. She is called Dancer and is the sweetest mare I own." Alfred interlaced his fingers bending down to help Arthur up. "Since we'll be traveling quite a distance I thought you'd appreciate having your own horse, riding double can get uncomfortable after awhile."

Once Alfred was sure Arthur was safely mounted on the mare, Alfred mounted his own horse. "These two are quite fond of one another so she should just follow, but if she doesn't she's easy to redirect. Have you ridden before?"

"I have." Arthur ran his fingers through the stiff mane and played with the intertwining braids. The mare had a powdery soft neck that the omega stroked as he quickly reacquainted himself with the reigns and rhythm of the horse. Just as Alfred said she was a mild thing and took a shining to the omega immediately.

He looked across his greater field of vision. He'd forgotten how impressive the view was on the saddle. As they strolled through the streets at a leisurely pace curiosity got the better of him. "Where are we off to, Alfred?"

"Tell me Arthur since you've arrived to the city have you had a chance to venture just beyond its borders?" Alfred smiled as he answered Arthur's question with another question hinting ever so slightly at their destination.

Arthur shook his head. "This mark forbids my crossing the border." He tapped the tattoo under his ear signifying his status as a debt slave. "Unless I am escorted by an official for business purposes I am not to leave the country. But," Arthur looked at him, "I hear border patrol have been known to turn a blind eye-for the right price."

"Or the right status. Our destination is a ways beyond the city's borders it is a spot known to a select few." He turned back to look at Arthur sending the omega a reassuring smile. "I hope you enjoy it just as much as I."

Arthur just nodded at Alfred's assurances, tucking the hood tighter over his head. So long as his hood up the tattoo wasn't visible. "I'm sure I will," the omega promised. "You are always so thoughtful, Alfred." He smiled.

Alfred noticed Arthur's unease it was clear the years at the brothel made the omega nervous about venturing beyond the borders. There was nothing Alfred could really say at this point to reassure the omega aside from showing Arthur proof. The ride to the city border took a little more than an hour at the slow pace they traveled Alfred was glad he took into account the speed in which they would likely travel.

As they approached the wall that surrounded the city Alfred reached back into his bags and pulled out an ornate dagger as proof of his status. The guard quickly bowed and moved out of the way for the two riders allowing the two of them to venture forth uninterrupted.

"How quickly can you ride?" Alfred asked Arthur, now that they were in a more empty space. "We will be traveling down the river for about two hours at a canter. A few guards will escort us home but we will be on our own the journey there. They are necessary for a person of my rank, after all the outside of the city walls can be a dangerous place even for me."

"I can /canter/." There was still a piece of pride left from his younger years when he was a free omega. His family was fairly affluent and Arthur was familiar with the gentleman's sport of horse racing, as with other equestrian activities like fox hunting. They were alpha past times but the omega doggedly insisted he be a part of them, too, as he hated to be left out of his brothers' fun who happened to all be alphas.

"Alfred, where are we headed?" When the alpha pointed in the direction Arthur snapped his reigns, sparking the mare to take off like a bullet down the stream.

Alfred laughed at the omega's antics before taking off after him. He easily caught up on his horse as the stud was much faster than the mare. The two raced along the river bank until their horses began to tire causing them to slow down.

"Where'd you learn to ride so well? It's not a common trait amongst the omegas here." Alfred asked as he let his horse drink from the river.

Arthur hopped to the ground and led the mare by the reigns to the stream. "I was a little wild as a kid. Growing up in a household full to the brim with alpha older brothers it was survival to prove myself better than them at their own games. It had to be alpha things. It's not like they'd care if I embroidered better than them. But," he petted the mare when she nudged his cheek, "I did take a true liking to horse riding. Not racing or skill competitions, but real horseback riding where I can enjoy life high up on the saddle and have my own space to think." Arthur tipped his head contemplatively. "Now that I think of it that is quite an omega thing to do after all."

"Perhaps or maybe it's just an Arthur thing, either way it's just a part of who you are and another thing to love about you." Alfred dismounted his horse letting the reins drop as he knew the animal would not wander far. He leaned down to scoop some of the water into his hands splashing it over his face to relieve some of the effects of growing temperatures.

He glanced over at Arthur who was calmly petting the mare a devious smirk grew on the alpha's face as he scooped water back into his hands again quickly splashing Arthur before jogging a short distance downstream laughing to himself as he went.

"What-" Arthur was doused smack in the face. It trickled down his back that was already sticky with sweat. "Alfred," the omega growled and almost started after him. "No. I won't give chase." He turned to the black Arabian watching Arthur with oddly intelligent eyes. "Your master is quite the mature one, splashing his lover's face like a boy pulling on his crush's pigtails. Well, I play an entirely different game of footsie." The Arabian huffed through its nose in acknowledgement.

When the alpha returned Arthur was at the water's edge, just where he left him. The omega was nibbling on an apple and fed the core to his mare. He ignored Alfred in all sense of the word; the man may as well not have been there for all Arthur cared.

Alfred came up behind Arthur sitting and situating Arthur between his legs. "Are you really mad about that? It was just a joke." When Arthur continued to ignore him Alfred shrugged a serious expression upon his face. "You asked for it." Alfred promptly stood and picked Arthur up throwing him into the waist deep water.

"Alfr-" Arthur's screech was cut off as the water swallowed him up. He was completely submerged for a moment before he flailed to the surface sputtering. "Are you mad?!" He slapped the water uselessly. With his robe and outfit underneath weighted by water the omega struggled to climb out

Alfred quickly removed his robe and shoes leaving himself in a set of light airy clothing as he quickly jumped in too. "Oh you know this water feels amazing compared to the heat." Alfred came up behind Arthur undoing the omega's robe before pulling it off and tossing it onto the bank. "There now come relax with me for a bit." He held out his hand to Arthur expectantly waiting for the omega to take it.

Arthur struggled only halfheartedly as Alfred unclothed him. He thought the prince would go further but he stopped, instead asking for his hand.

Arthur's dour pout was especially effective looking like a soaking wet kitten. "I don't want to relax." His shoulders slumped unhappily. Slowly, his brow arched with sly intent. "I want to play."

Alfred couldn't help but smile at how adorable Arthur looked soaking wet with a precious pout on his face. He bit back a chuckle, "There are other ways to play besides that you know. Swim with me for a bit and then I promise we'll finally ride to the surprise."

"I want to ride now." He wasn't letting Alfred off the hook after what he did. "It's hard to move in these wet clothes," Arthur purred as he yanked the wide collar of his shirt below a bare milky shoulder. Arthur's eyes were intent on Alfred's as he closed in on the prince. "I wouldn't want to catch cold." Encircling Alfred's neck he pecked his lips.

He allowed the kiss, but soon after unwound Arthur's arms from his neck. "No Arthur, we don't need to have sex every time we meet. Today is just a day to relax and have fun. We're both still children practically." Alfred took both Arthur's hands and gently placed a kiss there. "Besides you are so much more than your profession. Take a day to just be 16 no job, no worries, no pretenses just have fun."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Only you would pass up sex with me." The only one Arthur wanted to have sex with, too. Funny how things worked out sometimes. But he had to honor Alfred's wish. He backed off. "I like it when you fuck me," he said candidly as he fixed his shirt. He almost admitted that he hadn't had fun-real, carefree fun- in years. No, Alfred didn't need to know that. The prince liked the illusion of normalcy so the omega will keep it for him.

"I like when we have sex too, but doesn't mean I wouldn't like to do other things with you." Alfred splashed some water in Arthur's direction. "Now come on how often do you get the chance to just play? Next to never would be my guess." Alfred paused putting his hand to his mouth and gasping dramatically, "Don't tell me you've forgotten how to play. Oh the woes of the world, forgotten how to be young so early. Woe is me I've fallen in love with an old man without knowing it."

Arthur's heart choked in his throat. Every time Alfred said that word he felt like he was drowning. The omega looked down and forced a frown. "We both act at least a decade away from our age. You act like a seven year old."

"But you love me anyways?" Alfred half asked half state. The two of them knew how the other felt, or at least assumed so, but they expressed themselves more in actions than words. Alfred was almost desperate to hear his admission echoed back at him. He hoped that's what he would hear, but he knew Arthur could still be leery to the idea. After all just because Alfred had begun courting Arthur did not mean the omega stopped sleeping with other alphas and the occasional beta, it was his job after all, and as much as it bothered Alfred the alpha kept silent it wasn't his place to judge what the omega did against his choosing to pay off a debt that was not his.

How could Arthur possibly love the alpha? It was a cardinal sin for an omega to fall in love with their client. Mixing business with pleasure leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. Arthur saw what happened to the omegas who fell victim to the disease of love.

It began when the omega started caring about their regular customer. The alpha may pull on their heart strings with a sob story to coax out the omega's instinct to nurture. The omega would do things with the alpha they wouldn't do with other clients. They charged less or nothing at all, because it wasn't business anymore. It was love.

Whether or not the alpha truly loved the omega didn't matter. They always left in the end. They either had mates, couldn't face the stigma of a whore mate or couldn't afford the debt and early release fees. The law made it nearly impossible to free omegas from debt bondage even if the alpha could afford it. After all, more money was to be made when their servitude extended because their family wracked up more debt. It was a business, after all.

But most of the time cheating an omega into love was an easy con for free sex. Alpha clients knew how starved omegas were for love and freedom and used it against them. Arthur vowed never to become one of those sorry stories.

But if he wanted to avenge Feli he would have to act the part. Taking the alphas hands in his smaller ones he smiled. "I do love you, Alfred. It's just...difficult to say it." Feigning a torn heart he looked away biting his lip. "You know how I'm looked upon in the world. I'm afraid you will see it too and leave."

Alfred felt his heart soar at the omega's words, but then frowned at the way Arthur put himself down. "See what a stubborn omega who never quite learned the meaning of being submissive?" Alfred pulled Arthur flush against his chest wrapping his arms around the omega. "I would much rather the company of such a beautiful and strong person such as yourself to any proper omega any day."

Arthur rested his ear on Alfred's chest over his heart. The strong pound in the alpha's chest invited a safe feeling that relaxed him. A chilly breeze disrupted their moment. Their wet clothes turned icy and Arthur shivered.

"Come on let's get you out of this water." Alfred gently murmured, he placed his arm under Arthur's knees and carried him out of the river.

Arthur encircled the prince's neck as he was carried out. "You don't have to do this," he said with a giddy smile hiding in the crook of Alfred's neck. He felt like a princess. Ironic, given the alpha was a real prince.

Alfred only hummed in acknowledgment of Arthur's words. Once on dry land Alfred set Arthur down and offered his robe to the omega, "Here you can wear this while yours dries."

Knowing full well Alfred was staring and liking the attention Arthur stripped himself bare. He had complete self-confidence traipsing naked to a low branch and hanging his wet clothes to dry. As the omega strolled back he caught the alpha swallowing around his dry throat.

"Thank you," he chirped primly folding his arm into the sleeves of the robe Alfred held out for him. The omega flicked his eyes up and down Alfred's profile. "And you? Are you going to stand there in wet clothes?" He tutted teasingly. "May I help?"

Alfred groaned as he looked away throwing a hand over his face. "It's not fair when you play dirty like that. Here I try to be a gentleman and yet you always seem to be able to reduce me to my primal urges. I can only hold back so many times when you keep throwing yourself at me." Alfred looked back at Arthur a light pout on his face. "We aren't even at the area I wanted to show you."

Arthur was pleased by the unintended compliment, wordlessly undressing Alfred as the man went on.

"Let's dry off in the sun. Come." The omega led him by the hands to a warm patch of grass.

Alfred was not as comfortable in his nudity as Arthur rather he kept his pants on not allowing Arthur to remove them. It was not dignified for a prince to be seen naked in public whereas it was not so strange for someone of Arthur's profession to be. Regardless Alfred lay next to Arthur in the wispy grass, it was so strange that the river always had greenery near it and yet they were still surrounded by desert everywhere they looked. "How long do you suppose it will take until our clothes are dry?"

Arthur lay his temple against Alfred's warm shoulder. The drowsy, balmy air tempted him into a nap, and he closed his eyes. "Not long," he promised.

Alfred enjoyed the feeling of Arthur curled up against him it almost made it feel like they were mates. It was such a trusting gesture for an omega to be so comfortable around an alpha especially an omega such as Arthur, who dealt with horrible alphas on a regular basis. Alfred wrapped his arm around Arthur as he slowly rubbed the omega's side in a soothing gesture. "You can sleep if you want I'll wake you in a little while."

"Mm. Thank you." The omega curled up against Alfred like a drowsy kitten. The prince's strong arms enveloped around his slight form, making him feel safe. He was asleep within moments.

Just watching Arthur was enough for Alfred, for the omega to trust his safety to an alpha he met just months ago it meant the world to Alfred. He closed his eyes to relax enjoying the sounds of the river as it flowed by, he paid attention to the horses listening to them munch on the nearby greenery, but he did not let himself drift to sleep. The world outside the safety of his kingdom was a dangerous place for him as many people liked to throw blame on him for his father's wrongdoings even though it was in no way his fault.

Alfred pushed those thoughts out of his mind he wanted to have a fun relaxing day with Arthur not worry about being a prince and the troubles that came with it. He looked down at Arthur stroking the omega's hair as he slept. If nothing else today Alfred wanted Arthur to be a free omega for the day and do what he wanted, not what the world expected of him.

A/N: Here's a Christmas present of sorts for you guys. And although it's not the best and sorta rushed written if you want I wrote a little usuk Christmas drabble feel free to read it if you'd like, it's called Christmas Story.